Of a Afternoon

In Appalachian and older rural English, "of a afternoon" means "in the afternoon." This older British-style phrasing lingered in the mountains long after it faded elsewhere.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

I hear folks say ‘of a afternoon’ sometimes. It’s not an everday thang, but it’s still around in mountain talk.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I hear folks say ‘of a afternoon’ sometimes. It’s not an everday thang, but it’s still around in mountain talk.

Pronunciation

[UH-vuh af-ter-NOON]

Meaning & Usage

- Time of day (afternoon) (adverbial phrase)

Mae:

When’d the storm hit?

Earl:

Late of a afternoon, right ‘fore supper.

variations: of the afternoon, in the afternoon, o’ the afternoon

★ "Of a afternoon" feels more formal and story-like than "in the afternoon." It’s a holdover from older British and Scots-Irish speech patterns and shows up most in oral storytelling and among older speakers. ★

Origin and Etymology

The "of a ___" construction is centuries old in English (e.g., "of a Sunday"). While most regions shifted to "on" or "in," Appalachia preserved it, echoing older British and Scots-Irish patterns brought over by settlers.

Usage Notes

You’ll hear "of a afternoon" mainly from older generations or in deliberate storytelling. Younger speakers tend to just say "in the afternoon." Using it adds an old-time flavor to a tale.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it smooth and flowing: "of a afternoon." The "of" is quick, almost "o’," giving it that old-fashioned lilt.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is "of a afternoon" different from "in the afternoon"?

Not in meaning - but it carries a more old-fashioned, story-like tone.

Do people still say it today?

Yes, though mostly older folks or when telling stories.

Where did the form come from?

It’s an older British construction brought to Appalachia by Scots-Irish settlers.

Is it unique to Appalachia?

Not unique, but Appalachia kept it alive longer than most regions.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 16). Of a Afternoon. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/of-a-afternoon/
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Of a Afternoon." HillbillySlang.com, 16 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/of-a-afternoon/.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Of a Afternoon." HillbillySlang.com. September 16, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/of-a-afternoon/.

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